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What's New!

God Is Love

Check out the newest religious recognition program from NFCYM! The God Is Love recognition is designed for children in grades K-1, providing a wonderful complement to religious formation in the home, parish, Catholic school, and troop. The God Is Love workbook and prayer card—sold as a single card or set of 25—are now available from the NFCYM online store. (A medal and patch also accompany this award. They will be available this fall 2015.)

The International Catholic Conference of Guiding (ICCG) celebrated its 50th anniversary during this meeting. The ICCG is a network within the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGS). The ICCG is a formally recognized movement under the Pontifical Council for the Laity. The theme of the meeting was to “Live as a guide the joy of the Gospel.” All participants were asked to read and reflect upon Evangelii Gaudium prior to their arrival at the meeting.

To the two hundred thirty participants from over forty countries the Pope said, “Inasmuch as Catholic leaders, you also have the opportunity to make the explicit proclamation of Christ resound, who gives joy and light to the world, within the World Association of Guides and Scouts. Here you find head-guides of all cultures and religions. I hope that it will be the occasion of a sincere and true dialogue among you, in respect of the convictions of each one, and in the serene affirmation of your faith and of your Catholic identity.”

USCCB Posts Q&A Resources about GSUSA and about Catholic Scouting

The USCCB Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth (LMFLY) has been in dialogue with GSUSA over the last year. The purpose of this dialogue has been to gather information and to further mutual understanding, with a goal of providing considerations and guidance to bishops, pastors, youth leaders, and parents. Ultimately, diocesan bishops will utilize the information as they see fit within their particular diocese. Find the materials online.

In the Month of August

August 19 is World Humanitarian Day—a day to commemorate all people who have lost their lives in humanitarian service and to celebrate the spirit that inspires humanitarian work around the world. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Learn about their efforts at crs.org. The CRS Education Portal: Going Global with Youth provides a dedicated online site that includes lesson plans, simulation activities, prayer services, stories, web links, and opportunities for young people to view global issues through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching.

This month is also:

Family Fun Month—Decide as a family various activities to participate in together. Some ideas include: weekly game night, making s’mores, playing sports, and bicycle riding. Whatever your family decides, remember that the central idea is making time to have fun with your family.

Focus on Resources

NEW! Catholic Church and GSUSA Patch

The requirements for this new patch help girls celebrate the relationship between the Catholic Church and Girl Scouting by encouraging them to explore the rich traditions of the Catholic faith and inspiring them to become stronger members of their Catholic community.

I Live My Faith

The completely revised I Live My Faith program for children in grades 4-6, is structured on the Catechism of the Catholic Church with the themes (chapters) of: Belief, Sacraments, Catholic Christian Living, and Prayer. Each theme provides a variety of opportunities for young people to explore the Catholic faith including art, technology, research, drama, and prayer. The booklet includes a guide for adults.

The NFCYM strives to be consistent with Catholic Church teaching in all its content. On this website you will find links to outside resources, including some from non-church organizations. These links do not constitute an endorsement by NFCYM of all content on these sites and none should be inferred. The NFCYM is not responsible for the content of these outside organization’s websites.